Introduction
Yes, a Student Visa does allow you to work while you are studying, however you must comply with certain restrictions regarding the number of hours you are allowed to work and the types of work you are allowed to do.
If you break the rules around working while you have a Student Visa, you run the risk of facing enforcement action from the Home Office and your immigration record showing you have broken the conditions of your immigration visa. This can lead to future visa applications being rejected under suitability requirements.
UKVisaTeam Insight: "Working while you are studying is a great idea to gain extra money and work experience, just make sure your follow the rules."
#1. Work Hours Rules
Full time students at undergraduate level and upwards can work the following hours:
- Up to 20 hours per week during term time.
- Full-time during holidays.
- Dependants can work full-time (if eligible).
If you are studying below degree level, you can only work 10 hours a week during term time and then only if the Home Office is satisfied that your Higher Education institution has a good track record of complying with Immigration rules.
Part-time students are not permitted to work at all.
UKVisaTeam Insight: "Keep track of the number of hours you are working each week during term time."
#2. Types of Work Not Allowed
While the Home Office is happy for you to work while a full-time student in the UK, there are some specific rules around the type of work you can undertake. It is important to note that the following options are NOT allowed while in the UK on a student visa:
❌ Self-employment
❌ Operating a business
❌ Working as a professional sports person or sports coach
❌ Working as an entertainer
❌ Filling what should be a permanent full-time role
UKVisaTeam Insight: "Also consider voluntary work as this can be valuable experience and will not come under any restrictions."
#3. Graduate Visa After Studies
After completing your degree, you can apply for a Graduate Visa to stay in the UK with permission to work full-time. This permission is for the following periods of time:
- 2 years (Bachelor’s/Master’s)
- 3 years (PhD)
Graduate visas do not restrict the kind of work you can engage in, other than employment as a professional sportsperson which comes under a different typeof visa.
Official: GOV.UK - Graduate Visa
UKVisaTeam Insight: Plan ahead - your graduate visa is easier to secure if your student record is clean and compliant.
